Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are crucial when an emergency is unfolding. Usually found with emergency vehicles, like ambulances or helicopters, technicians are an important part of emergency medical care. Highland’s emergency medical services program is designed to get you started with a career in EMS and give additional training to local technicians and firefighters.
Career Field
In any emergency, EMTs and paramedics are typically dispatched by a 911 operator to a scene, where they often work with police and firefighters. Once they arrive, EMTs and paramedics assess the patient’s condition while trying to determine whether the patient has any preexisting medical condition(s). Following medical protocols and guidelines, they provide appropriate emergency care and, when necessary, transport the patient. Some paramedics are trained to treat patients with minor injuries on the scene of an accident or they may treat them at their home without transporting them to a medical facility. Emergency treatment is carried out under the medical direction of physicians.
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by the paramedic or student paramedic to successfully perform the essential functions of both the job requirements of a paramedic and the required clinical experiences of a student paramedic. While performing the duties of the paramedic program/job, you are regularly required to stand; walk; use your hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; talk; and hear. You are frequently required to sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl. You must regularly move and/or lift up to 100 pounds or more.
Degree
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Program Contacts
Dr. Stephanie Eymann, DNP, RN, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health, 815-599-3439
Students earn support courses through Highland Community College. The College partners with local hospital EMS programs to offer proficiency credit toward Paramedic courses.
SwedishAmerican Hospital EMS System
4120 Charles Street, Rockford, IL 61108
Phone: 779-696-6082
FAX: 815-391-8116
Email: ems@swedishamerican.org
OSF Northern Region EMS
5510 E. State St. Rockford, IL 61108
Phone: (815) 395-4901
Fax: (815) 395-4623
Contact: Lisa Kirane, Paramedic Education Program Director – email: Lisa.R.Kirane@osfhealthcare.org